Centre extends helping hand to newcomers in Winnipeg

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This article was published 22/06/2023 (847 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Centre for Newcomer Integration at Red River College Polytechnic helps 2,500 students access various programs, services and supports every year.

It supports permanent residents, refugees and international students to learn English, prepare for a job and post-secondary education, as well as build relationships.

“This role is really rewarding,” said Valeriia Bielous, a student in the program who gained experience through a three-week work placement at the Manitoba Construction Sector Council.

“I get help for newcomers to achieve their training and find meaningful employment in the construction sector because education is everything,” said Bielous, who worked as an engineer in Ukraine for more than 15 years.

After arriving in Canada, she enrolled in the program and improved her English skills from a Canadian Language Benchmark of five to seven, which focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Every term, approximately 60 students will use networking opportunities to connect with employers relative to their interests in Winnipeg and develop their knowledge and skills.

Michelle Johnson, manager of student integration and employee outreach, is part of a team that addresses barriers that prevent students from accessing resources and success in school.

Through the program, an integrated learning co-ordinator will meet with a student to discuss their experience, areas of interest and career goals.

“Just because the person was a lawyer in their country of origin doesn’t necessarily mean they want to be a lawyer here,” said Johnson.

Sometimes students are curious to change their career path or they are introduced to a job opportunity through a work placement.

“A large part of our identity is our career path,” said Johnson. “When you come to a new country, you might feel like you’re leaving a part of that identity behind. Then (students) go on the work experience placement and there’s a renewed confidence, excitement and hope because they realize it’s doable.”

Johnson said another student who worked as an audiologist in Ukraine was able to develop her language and communication skills at a work placement with an audiologist in Winnipeg.

During the placement, the student received assistance in navigating the licensing process and making connections in the audiology field. As she updates her certification, she is currently training to do hearing tests on newborns.

A typical Monday to Friday class at RRC Polytech is based on the needs of the 20 students, said Anna Janik-Kelly, associate dean at the centre.

“This provides the best environment for every student to have a little bit of individual touch with the instructor, but also just to practise with others,” she said. “We probably learn as much from our newcomers, as they learn from us.”

The centre has been offering language and communication training for roughly 30 years. The programs are also delivered in Steinbach, Arborg and Thompson.

On Thursday, BMO announced a $300,000 donation in partnership with RRC Polytech.

tessa.adamski@freepress.mb.ca